Method and Apparatus for Mapping a Structure

ABSTRACT

An area of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of an area or volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of an imaging device. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/117,537 filed May 8, 2008, which claims benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/046,298, filed Apr. 18, 2008. The disclosures of all of the above identified applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to electrode position identification, and particularly to mapping an anatomical region and illustrating electrode positions relative to the map.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

The human anatomy includes many types of tissue that can either voluntarily or involuntarily, perform certain functions. After disease or injury, or due to certain genetic predispositions certain tissues may no longer operate within general anatomical norms. For example, after disease, injury, time, or combinations thereof, the heart muscle may begin to experience certain failures or deficiencies. These failures or deficiencies may be corrected or treated with implantable medical devices (IMDs), such as implantable pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devices, cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator devices, or combinations thereof.

One of the main portions of the IMD can include a lead that is directly connected to tissue to be affected or treated by the IMD. The lead can include a tip or electrode portion that is directly connected to a first portion of the anatomical tissue, such as a muscle bundle, and a lead body that connects to the second main portion, which is the device body or therapeutic driving device. It is generally known that the device body or case portion can be implanted in a selected portion of the anatomical structure, such as in a chest or abdomen, and the lead can be inserted through various venous portions so that the tip portion can be positioned at the selected position near or in the heart muscle.

The IMDs are implantable devices that may require the use of imaging devices for implantation. The imaging devices can include fluoroscopes that expose a patient and a surgeon to ionizing radiation. In addition, the use of the imaging device can require time for acquiring image data and understanding the images from the image data. For example, considerable experience and training may be required for proper interpretation of fluoroscopic images.

The use of imaging devices can require various additional costs and procedures. For example, fluoroscope devices employ ionizing radiation to acquire images of a patient. Individuals, such as surgeons and technicians that are constantly or repeatedly exposed to the ionizing radiation generally wear protective clothing. The protective clothing, however, can be heavy and may strain operators and staff. In addition, the imaging devices, such as fluoroscopes, can be relatively expensive and require extensive training in the use of the imaging device. Due to cost and training requirements, therefore, certain facilities may forego acquiring the imaging devices thereby reducing the number of facilities able to perform certain procedures.

SUMMARY

A position sensing unit (PSU) system is operable to map and illustrate mapped and saved points. The system can determine the location of an electrode by generating a voltage in a patient and calculating a impedance at the electrode. The calculated impedance is used to determine the position of the electrode as in a patient or other appropriate conducting medium.

The saved points may be used to create a map determined with the electrode that can be used to determine a location of a later positioned electrode. The electrode positioned in the anatomy can include a pacing lead or other purpose. The electrode can generally be a part of an IMD. The map generated with the PSU can be used to guide or navigate a lead to a selected location without external imaging devices.

The use of the position sensing unit to generate a map can eliminate or reduce the need for an imaging device. The imaging devices, such as fluoroscopes, as discussed above, can require additional costs and training requirements that may be eliminated. For example, if a fluoroscope is not used protective clothing, such as a lead apron, may not be required to be worn by individuals in a room and can reduce strain and weight carried by the individuals. In addition, elimination of ionizing radiation doses can assist a patient and a user. Further, in the use of the position sensing unit and the elimination or reduction in use of an imaging device, a cost center or capital investment may not be required while allowing a facility to perform selected procedures, as discussed herein.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a mapping or navigation system;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a position sensing unit, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a mapping catheter according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a retractable electrode lead and an associated sheath or catheter, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4A is a detailed view of a retractable electrode lead and an associated sheath or catheter in a retracted configuration, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4B is a detailed view of a retractable electrode lead and an associated sheath or catheter in an extended configuration, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a view of a patient with a mapping catheter inserted into an internal organ of the patient;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a display device with mapping data illustrated thereon;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of mapping with a position sensing unit;

FIG. 8 is a detailed environmental view of a mapping catheter and a display device displaying related mapping information;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of rendering a surface based on mapping information, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a display device illustrating raw mapping information and surface rendered data;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method of rendering a surface based on mapping information, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a display device illustrating surface rendered data; and

FIG. 13 is a view of an implantable medical device positioned within a patient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. The devices described herein include an exemplary number of leads, case bodies, etc. One will understand that the components, including number and kind, may be varied without altering the scope of the disclosure. Also, devices according to various embodiments may be used in any appropriate diagnostic or treatment procedure, including a cardiac, neural, or other anatomical procedures.

With reference to FIG. 1, a navigation or mapping system 20 is illustrated. The navigation system 20 can be operated by a user 22 with an instrument 24 to map a selected space, such as a portion of a patient 26. The instrument 24 can also be navigated relative to the patient 26. The instrument 24 can be moved relative to the patient 26 for various procedures, including lead placement relative to the heart, mapping of the heart, mapping of a selected organ of the patient 26, or guiding or navigating the instrument 24 relative to any appropriate portion of the patient 26.

The navigation system 20 can include various components, such as an optional imaging device 28. The optional imaging device 28 can include a fluoroscope, such as a fluoroscope configured as a C-arm. The C-arm fluoroscope can include an imaging section 30 and a x-ray emitting section 32.

The imaging device 28 can be controlled by a controller 34. Images acquired with the imaging device 28 can be displayed on a display device 35 that is associated with the imaging device 28. It will be understood, however, that the separate display device 35 is not required. In addition, if the imaging device is an x-ray imaging device any radio-opaque portions will appear as a part of the image when viewed, including the instrument 24.

The controller 34 can control the imaging device 28 and can store images generated with the imaging device 28 or transmit data or receive instructions via a data transmission line 36 to or from a processor and/or memory, such as one that may be included in a workstation 38. While the optional imaging device 28 illustrated here is a fluoroscopic c-arm other imaging devices, such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, etc., can also be employed. Moreover, it will be understood that the communication line 36 can be any appropriate communication line such as a wired communication line, a wireless communication system, or any other data transfer mechanism.

The navigation system 20 can further include a Position Sensing Unit (PSU) 40 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The PSU 40 can include a impedance or Electrical Potential (EP) system 40. The PSU can be the LocaLisa® Intracardiac Navigation System as previously provided by Medtronic, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn., USA. The PSU 40 can include a control or driving unit 42 that includes one or more input or output connectors 44 to interconnect with a plurality of current conducting or drive patches connected directly with the patient 26. The current patches can include patches to create three substantially orthogonal voltage or current axes within the patient 26. For example, a first y-axis patch 46 a and a second y-axis patch 46 b can be interconnected with the patient 26 to form a y-axis (such as an axis that is generally superior-inferior of a patient) with a conductive path such that the conducted current establishes a voltage potential gradient substantially along this axis and between the patches 46 a and 46 b. A related y-axis current flows from the first y-axis patch 46 a to the second y-axis patch 46 b substantially along the y-axis. Likewise, a first x-axis patch 48 a and a second x-axis patch 48 b can be connected with the patient 26 to create a x-axis (such as an axis that is generally medial-lateral of a patient) with a voltage gradient substantially along the x-axis between the patches 48 a and 48 d and a corresponding x-axis current. Finally, a first z-axis patch 50 a and a second z-axis patch 50 b can be connected with a patient 26 to create a z-axis (such as an axis that is generally anterior-posterior of a patient) with a voltage potential gradient substantially along the z-axis between the patches 50 a and 50 b with a corresponding z-axis current. The three axes are generally formed to have an organ or area of interest that the common intersection or origin of each of the axes x, y, z. Accordingly, the patches 46-50 can be positioned on the patient 26 to achieve the selected placement of the axes x, y, z relative to the patient 26. Each of the patches 46 a-50 b can be interconnected with the PSU input/output (I/O) box 42, via a wire connection or other appropriate connection at the ports 44.

The current applied between the related patches generate a small current, (about 1 microampere to about 100 milliamperes), in the patient along the axis between the respective patch pairs. The induced current can be of a different frequency for each of the related patch pairs to allow for distinguishing which axis is being measured. The current induced in the patient 26 will generate a voltage gradient across different portions, such as the heart, that can be measured with an electrode, as discussed in further detail herein. The sensed voltage can be used to identify a position along an axis (whereby each axis can be identified by the particular frequency of the current being measured) to generally determine a position of electrode along each of the three axes. Although a voltage can be sensed, an impedance can also be calculated or measured to determine a location in a similar manner. It will be understood, that a sensing of voltage will not eliminate other possible measurements for position determination, unless specifically indicated. As discussed further herein, the position of the electrode with respect to each of the three axes can be used as map data to be illustrated on the display device 58. Electrodes within the patient and reference electrodes are interconnected with the PSU I/O box 42 such that the signals are processed by high impedance circuitry so as to not load and distort the sensed signals.

In addition, reference patches can be interconnected with the patient 26 for reference of guiding or mapping with the instrument 24 relative to the patient 26. The reference patches can include a first reference patch 52 a and a second reference patch 52 b. The placement of the reference patches 52 a, 52 b can be any appropriate position on the patient 26, including those discussed further herein according to various embodiments. For example, the first reference patch 52 a can be positioned substantially over the xiphoid process on the skin of the patient 26 directly exterior to the xiphoid process of the patient 26. The second reference patch 52 b can be positioned substantially directly across from the first patch 52 a on a dorsal surface of the patient 26. By positioning the reference patch 52 a at this location, the reference patch has relatively little motion with respect to the heart. By positioning the reference patches 52 a,b at these locations, respiration may be monitored by measuring the relative voltage or impedance difference between the two reference electrodes using the PSU 40.

The PSU I/O box 42 can be interconnected with the workstation 38, via a connection or data transfer system 56. The data transfer system 56 can include a wire transmission, wireless transmission, or any appropriate transmission. The workstation 38 can receive signals, which can be analog or digital signals, regarding voltages sensed by the reference patches 52 a, 52 b and electrodes on the instrument 24. The signals can be used to determine a relative location of the instrument 24 and to display the determined relative location on the display device 58. The display device 58 can be integral with or separate from the workstation 38. In addition, various interconnected or cooperating processors and/or memory can be provided to process various information, each may be a part of the workstation 38 or separate therefrom. The processors can process the signals from the patches 46-52 and instrument 24 to determine the position of the instrument 24, display the determined positions or other data on the display device 58.

The navigation system 20 can further include user input or data input devices such as a keyboard 60, a joystick 62, or a foot pedal 64. Each of the input devices, 60-64 can be interconnected with the workstation 38 or appropriate systems for inputting information or data into the workstation 38. This information or data can include identifying appropriate information, as discussed further herein, such as various components, or anatomic regions.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, with particular reference to FIG. 2, the multiple driving or voltage patches 46 a-50 b are used to conduct current in the patient to create voltage potentials within the patient 26 that can be sensed by electrodes that are positioned on or within the patient 26. It will be understood that the driving patches 46-50 can be positioned on the patient 26 at any appropriate locations, such as the locations described with the Local Lisa™ position sensing unit previously provided by Medtronic, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn., USA. The PSU I/O box 42, can create voltages and generate a small current along the axes between the related patches. The current generated can include different frequencies along the different x, y, and z axes to distinguish the x, y, and z-axes.

The instrument 24 can include an electrode, as discussed further herein, which is able to sense the voltage generated within the patient 26 due to the patches 46 a-50 b positioned on the patient 26. The sensed voltage can be used to calculate a impedance of the tissue in the patient 26 based upon the voltage potential gradient generated between the respective pairs of patches and the corresponding current. Generally, the current is carried due to an electrolyte in the patient 26, such as blood, interstitial fluid, etc. within a heart 80 and body of the patient 26.

As discussed further here, the calculated impedance or sensed voltage can be used to determine a location of the electrode of the instrument 24 relative to a selected reference, such as reference patch 52 a or 52 b. The reference patches 52 a, 52 b can be positioned at any appropriate position on the patient 26. As discussed above, the first reference patch 52 a can be positioned substantially over the xiphoid process of the patient 26. The positioning of the first reference patch 52 a over the xiphoid process of the patient 26 can again allow for minimal movement of the reference patch 52 a due to respiration or cardiac movement. The reference patches 52 a, 52 b can also be used for repeat or multiple procedures at different times. For example, the reference patches can be used to reorient or register the mapping data 194 to the patient 26 at a second time. Therefore, the reference patch 52 a can be a substantially fixed reference patch for reference regarding the voltage generated by the PSU 40.

The second reference patch 52 b can be positioned substantially directly across the thickness of the patient 26 on a dorsal side of the patient 26 from the first reference patch 52 b. The two reference patches 52 a, 52 b can be on the same horizontal plane. The horizontal plane is perpendicular to the coronal or median planes of an anatomy. The second reference patch 52 b can also be substantially fixed relative to the patient 26, at least in part because it is positioned on the dorsal side of the patient 26. In addition, the second reference patch 52 b can be used to reorient the data acquired with the electrodes of the instrument 24 if the first reference patch 52 a is removed. For example, during a procedure, an emergency may require the removal of all of the patches from a ventral side of the patient 26, including the first reference patch 52 a. After the treatment of the emergency, however, the data acquired with the instrument 24 can be reoriented relative to the patient 26 or relative to the instrument 24 using the second reference patch 52 b. Accordingly, use of at least two reference patches 52 a, 52 b can assist to reference or realign the mapping data acquired relative to the patient 26.

With reference to FIG. 3, according to various embodiments, a mapping or navigation catheter 100 can be used as the instrument 24. The mapping catheter 100 can include various portions, such as a balloon or inflatable portion 102. The inflatable or expandable portion 102 can be part of a catheter system, such as a Swan-Ganz Balloon Catheter System sold by Edwards Lifesciences REF: D97120F5 (5F)] and generally known in the art.

The mapping catheter 100 can further include a sheath 104, which can be deflectable. A lead or catheter defining a lumen 106 can extend through the sheath 104 and through the balloon 102. A tip or first electrode 108 can be provided on a distal end of the catheter 106 and a ring or second electrode 110 can be provided on a proximal end of the balloon portion 102. This can provide at least two electrodes to sense a voltage within the patient 26 when the mapping catheter 100 is positioned within the patient and the current patches are being driven. As discussed further herein, the electrodes 108, 110 can sense a voltage produced within the patient 26 and from the sensed voltage an impedance can be calculated to determine a location of the mapping catheter 100, as discussed further herein.

In addition, during mapping, the balloon portion 102 can assist in assuring that the catheter 106 does not puncture or perforate a wall of the heart 80 or other blood vessel. The balloon portion 102 can also act as a stop when the mapping catheter 100 is being moved through the heart 80 or other anatomical portion. The balloon portion 102 can be inflated or deflated as selected by the user 22. Inflation of the balloon portion 102 can be performed in any appropriate manner such as directing a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, through the catheter 106. In addition, the mapping catheter 100 can be moved relative to the patient 26 in any appropriate manner, such as a steering mechanism (not particularly illustrated) or via anatomical forces placed upon various portions of the catheter 100, such as a drag created on the balloon portion 102 by the flow of blood. Further, various conductors can be used to transfer the sensed voltage from the electrodes 108, 110 to the PSU I/O box 42.

With reference to FIG. 4, a lead 120 is illustrated that can also be used as the instrument 24. The lead 120 can be any appropriate lead such as the model 5076 sold by Medtronic Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn., USA. The lead 120 can be used as part of an implantable medical device 300 (illustrated in FIG. 13), but may not generally be used to acquiring mapping data. The position of the lead 120, however, can be determined and displayed on the display device 58, as discussed further herein. The lead 120 can include an external sheath or covering 122 that substantially insulates an interior of the lead 120 from an external environment, such as an anatomical portion. The lead 120 can include a conductor 124 and a retractable helix electrode 126. The electrode 126 can be used with the PSU 40 to determine the location of the electrode 126. However, generally during insertion and placement of the lead 120, the electrode 126 is substantially retracted into the covering 122 of the lead 120. Accordingly, an appropriate or strong signal of the voltage may not be efficiently determined in the retracted state. Therefore, an opening, which can include one or more portals or windows 128 a, 128 b can be formed in the covering 122 to allow an electrolyte to contact the electrode 126 while moving the electrode 126 through the patient 26. A voltage can be efficiently sensed by the exposed electrode 126 through the window portions 128 a, 128 b.

As discussed herein, the determined position of the lead 120 can be illustrated on a display device relative to data collected either with the lead 120 or with the mapping catheter 100. Accordingly, the sensed voltage through the window 128 can be used to determine a position of the lead 120 relative to the mapping data. It will also be understood, the lead 120 may include more than the implantable electrode 126. The lead 120 may include at least a second electrode, such as a ring electrode 127. A voltage can also be sensed by the ring electrode 127 and also be used for determining a position of the lead 120 or a portion thereof.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a lead 140, according to various embodiments, can include a moveable window covering portion 142. The cover 142 can move with the electrode 126 as the electrode 126 is moved out of the covering sheath 122. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, when in the retracted configuration the windows 128 a, 128 b are uncovered to allow an electrolyte to contact the electrode 126 over a large surface area which lowers impedance of the circuit. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, when in the extended configuration the windows 128 a, 128 b are covered by the window covering 142 which blocks access to the electrode 126 though the widows 128 a, 128 b.

Accordingly, the cover 142 can move from a non-covering or opened position to a covering position relative to the window 128 when the electrode 126 is deployed or extended. The cover 142 can cover the window 128 to ensure that a material, such as blood or other material does not enter the cover 122 after extension of the electrode 126. It will be understood that providing the cover 142 may not be necessary for appropriate operation of the lead 120 with an implantable medical device.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3 and further reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a selected map data 194 of an anatomical region, such as a heart 80 can be produced. The map data 194, as illustrated in FIG. 6, can be generated using only the PSU 40. Thus, the map data 194 can be considered imageless, which can refer to a map that is generated or displayed not using an external imaging device. A surface or virtual image, however, can be generated as discussed herein.

As discussed above, the heart 80 includes an electrolyte, such as blood, which can be used to allow the sensing of a voltage with an electrode, such as the electrodes 108, 110 of the mapping catheter 100 or electrode 126 of the lead 120. The voltages sensed by the electrodes 108, 110 are generated by the currents conducted through patches 46 a-50 b, as particularly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and removed from FIG. 5 for clarity. The patches positioned on the patient 26 create virtual axes within the patient 26 of induced voltage gradients. A determination of a position of the electrode can be made by sensing the varying voltages within the patient while the current is conducted in the patient 26. The electrodes 108,110 of the mapping catheter 100 can sense the voltage of each of the three axes to determine a three dimensional position of the mapping electrodes 108, 110 within the patient 26. Similarly, the electrodes of the leads 120, 140 can be used to sense the voltages in the three axes to determine the position of the electrodes within the patient 26. The mapping catheter 100, including the electrodes 108, 110, can be moved through various portions in the patient 26 while the electrodes sense the voltages, substantially continuously or as selected, among the three axes to determine multiple three dimensional positions of the electrodes.

A selected number of sensing measurements can be made, such as manual selection or automatic selection at selected time intervals. The sensed voltages can then be used to determine a relative position of the electrodes, as discussed herein. In addition, such as when the two electrodes 108, 110 are provided, a direction of the catheter 100 can also be determined. For example, a location of both of the electrodes 108 and 110 can be made. Based upon this determination a determination of direction of the catheter 100 or orientation of the catheter can be made based upon the two location or position determinations. It will be understood, that a similar direction determination can be made regarding any appropriate catheter with at least two electrodes positioned along its length.

The catheter 100 can be used by positioning it in a vein 144 of the patient 26 through an incision 146 made in the dermis of the patient 26 and an introducer or other appropriate mechanism can be used to introduce the mapping catheter 100 into the vein 144. As discussed above, the mapping catheter 100 can include the Swan-Ganz catheter which can include a syringe or similar device 150 to inject a fluid or gas to inflate the balloon 102. A pressure meter or sensor 152 can also be interconnected with the lead that is within the balloon 102 to sense a pressure placed on the balloon 102 when the balloon is within the patient 26. For example, once the balloon 102 is inflated, such as when the balloon 102 is positioned exterior to the sheath 104, a pressure induced on the balloon 102 will be transmitted through the catheter 106 and can be measured with the pressure meter 152. It will be further understood, however, that a pressure meter or transducer can also be positioned at any appropriate location, such as within the balloon 102. As discussed further herein, the measurement of a pressure pulse or a pressure change can be used to identify various regions of the heart 80 by the user 22. In this regard, an increase or change in pulsatile pressure can be used to identify regions of the heart such as the right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery, and the locations of valves.

With initial reference to FIG. 7, a procedure 180 is illustrated that can use the position sensing unit 40, its associated patches interconnected with the PSU I/O box 42, the mapping catheter 100, and the lead 120 to map and determine a position of the lead 120 in the patient 26 without the need to employ an external imaging device. The procedure 180, as briefly discussed here, can include creating a map of a portion of the patient 26 and positioning leads within a portion of the patient 26. It will be understood that although the procedure 180 is discussed relating to a cardiac procedure, other appropriate procedures can be performed by positioning the mapping catheter 100, current patches and reference electrodes in different portions of the patient 26. For example, a map can be made of other areas, such as gastrointestinal areas, pleural areas, or other areas of the anatomy of the patient 26 including an electrolyte material. Accordingly, the procedure 180 can be modified in an appropriate manner to be used with an appropriate procedure.

The procedure 180 can start in start block 182. The procedure 180 can then proceed to preparing and configuring the position sensing unit and a display device, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Preparing the PSU in block 184 can include various steps, such as labeling the patches for positioning on the patient 26, interconnecting the patches with the PSU I/O box 42, the workstation 38 with the PSU I/O box 42, and other appropriate steps.

After the PSU 40 is prepared in block 184 and the patches 46 a-50 b can be positioned on the patient 26 in block 186. In addition, the reference patches 52 a and 52 b can be positioned on the patient 26 as well in block 186. The patches 46 a-52 b can be positioned on the patient 26 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Positioning of the patches on the patient 26 allows for the position sensing unit 40 to generate potentials within the patient 26 that can be sensed with the electrodes 108, 110 of the mapping catheter and electrodes of the lead 120. The patches 46-52 can be attached on a skin surface of the patient 26. This can allow for efficient generation of the micro-current in the patient 26.

The display device 58 and its associated controller or processor can then be adjusted to illustrate or display a right anterior oblique (RAO) and a left anterior oblique (LAO) view in block 188 and as particularly illustrated in FIG. 6. The two oblique views can illustrate for the user 22 views of the data mapped of the patient 26 that can be generally similar to fluoroscopic or x-ray images otherwise acquired of the patient 26. However, because no imaging device is necessary to form the images, the view of the patient 26 or access to the patient 26 is not obstructed by the imaging device 28. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a legend cube can be used to identify the view angles being represented. As discussed above, the use of the mapping catheter 100 and the position sensing unit 40 can eliminate or substantially reduce fluoroscopic imaging of the patient 26, while maintaining an appropriate level of location identification of various portions, such as the lead 120 within the patient 26. It will be understood, however, that any appropriate viewing angles can be displayed on the display device 58, the oblique views are merely exemplary.

The mapping catheter 100 can be prepared in block 190. For example, the catheter 106 can be marked relative to the sheath 104 for illustrating the position of the balloon 102 necessary to position the balloon 102 and electrodes just free of the sheath 104. This is generally a sterile procedure, and can be performed in an appropriate sterile manner.

The mapping catheter 100 can then be inserted or introduced into the patient in block 192. It will be understood that the mapping catheter 100 can be introduced into the patient 26 in any appropriate manner. Upon introduction into the patient 26, plotting of data points with the mapping catheter 100 can begin in block 192. The plotting of the data points can include illustrating data points on the display device 58, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6. The data points can be acquired substantially continuously or at a selected rate. The plotting of the data points can produce mapping data 194 that can be illustrated in any appropriate manner, such as a plurality of points 198 on the display device 58. The plurality of points illustrated on the display device 58 can be produced by moving the mapping catheter 100 through the heart 80, the veins of the patient 26, and other appropriate portions or moving mechanisms.

For example, once the balloon 102 has been inflated, drag is induced on the balloon 102, due to the flow of blood in the patient 26. This can assist the balloon 102 to move generally in the direction of the flow of blood in the patient and allow for ease of movement and guiding of the balloon catheter 100 within the patient 26. For example, the balloon catheter 100 can be introduced into the patient 26 and the flow of blood can direct the balloon catheter 100, from the right ventricle through the right ventricular outflow tract and into the pulmonary artery.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the display device 58 can display a plurality of points that are acquired as the mapping catheter 100 is moved through the various portions of the patient 26. The plurality of points as the catheter 100 is moved through the patient, which is generally over time, allows for the creation of a map of the portion of the patient 26 through which the mapping catheter 100 is moved. As exemplary illustrated in FIG. 6, the display device 58 can illustrate the acquired mapping data 194 to illustrate appropriate portions of the heart 80.

The map data points 198 illustrated on the display device can also be managed for ease and efficiency of the user 22. For example, a selected density of data points 198 can be selected. Once a density threshold is reached a representative data point can be illustrated on the display device 58 rather than all acquired map data points that have been acquired with the mapping catheter 100. In other words, a representative data point 198 may actually represent more than one acquired position map point allowing fewer than all acquired position data points to be illustrated, but all can be used for rendering a surface, as discussed further herein. This can allow the map data 194 display to be selectively uncluttered with multiple overlapping map data point icons 198.

Landmarks can be identified in block 193 for display on the display device 58. Landmarks identified in block 193 can be any appropriate landmark and can be illustrated such as with a toroid 204 or a selected point, such as a point of a different color or shape 206 in the mapping data 194. The landmarks identified in block 193 can be any appropriate anatomical feature used as a landmark for a procedure. For example, an anatomical feature or landmark can include an osteom or opening, a valve, wall, or apex of the heart 80 or other portions of the patient 26 being mapped with the mapping catheter 100. The landmarks or further locations can be further limited based upon a determination of only the possible subsequent locations of the electrodes of the mapping catheter or lead. For example, from within the pulmonary artery the mapping catheter 100 or lead 120 can generally only move back into the right ventricle. Accordingly, the mapped points or the information regarding the same can be provided to the user 22 to limit the possible further or next positions.

The landmarks can include, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a first toroid 204 a representing a junction of the inferior vena cava and the right atrium, a second toroid 204 b representing a tricuspid valve, a third toroid 204 c representing a pulmonic valve, and a fourth toroid 206 d representing a junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium. Other icons can also be used to represent landmarks, such as a triangle 206 that can represent an apex.

As various portions of the data are being acquired, the perspective or position of the virtual camera on the display device 58 can be changed. For example, during initial plotting of the data an auto-follow position can be illustrated, as selected in block 195. The auto-follow position allows the primary electrode or the electrode being tracked or the mapping electrode to be at the center of the display device. The auto-follow position can move the virtual camera as illustrated on the display device 58 based upon speed of movement of the electrode being tracked or the location of the tracked or primary electrode relative to the position of the virtual camera. Thus, the view on the display device 58 can be based upon the position of the electrode relative to the virtual position of the camera.

The auto-follow feature can be to keep the tip of the primary electrode as the center of focus on display device 58. Rather than allowing the camera view to jump to wherever the electrode tip happens to be at a given point in time, the method works by smoothly transitioning to that point. The rate of the transition is dependent upon the current center of focus's distance from the desired center of focus (the electrode's tip location). The set of rules that define how the center of focus gets updated and can include moving the camera view at a speed proportional to distance to the tip or moving it immediately to the new desired position if the point of current focus is close enough to the new desired focus. These rules allow the transition to be rapid when necessary, while avoiding unnecessary and exaggerated movement when the camera is close to being centered.

At a various or selected point, the auto-follow position can be discontinued in block 196. When discontinued the view of the mapping data 194 can remain unchanged on the display device 58 as the electrode, such as the electrode 126 of the lead 120, is moved through the heart 80 and its relative position is displayed on the display device 58. The auto-follow feature, however, can be restarted to maintain the tracked position of the electrode near a center of the display device 58. Further landmarks can be identified in block 197 during or after any portion of the map data acquisition, such a after the tricuspid valve has been passed or observed.

At an appropriate time, such as when a user 22 selects that an appropriate amount of data has been selected or illustrated, a rendering of one or more of a point 198 in the mapping data 194 can be produced in block 200. The rendering can include a 3D rendered surface using the data points 198 in the mapping data 194. The mapping data 194 can be rendered, as discussed further herein, to illustrate or form a surface on the points 198 or relative to the points 198. The rendered data can be used to illustrate the mapping data 194 for appropriate purposes.

Once an appropriate amount of data has been acquired and illustrated on the display device 58, a selected procedure can use the mapping data 194 acquired from patient 26. For example, various leads can be positioned within the patient 26, such as in a right ventricle or in a right atrium. Therefore, the procedure 180 can exemplary include configuring a RV lead in block 202. Configuring the RV lead in block 202 can include interconnecting the RV lead with the PSU I/O box 42 for guiding the RV lead, such as the lead 120, to a selected point in the patient 26 and configuring the PSU 40 to illustrate and display the RV lead as it is introduced and navigated through the patient. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a graphical representation 120′ of the lead 120 can be displayed relative to or superimposed on the mapping data 194. Illustrating a graphical representation of the lead 120 can allow the user 22 to understand the position of the lead 120 relative to the mapped data of the patient 26. The representation of the lead 120′ can be displayed relative to the data points 198. For example, the data points can represent a 3D volume; accordingly the lead representation 120′ may be partly obscured by some of the data points 198. The representation of the mapping data 194, however, can be rotated as selected by the user 22 to view the mapping data 194 and the lead representation 120′ in any appropriate selected manner.

It will also be understood that the mapping catheter can be removed from the patient 26 prior to positioning the lead 120 in the patient 26. The procedure 180 can then proceed to placing and testing the RV lead in the patient 26 in block 206. Placing and testing the RV lead can proceed according to generally known methods such as for placing leads for pacing or defibrillation IMDs. In addition, configuring a RA lead in block 208 and placing and testing a RA lead in block 210 can also follow. It will be understood, however, that any appropriate procedure can be performed and a cardiac procedure is merely exemplary. In addition, any appropriate type of lead or number of leads can be positioned within the heart 80 of the patient 26 for a selected procedure.

At a selected point, such as after the leads are positioned and tested, an option image can be obtained by an external imaging device in block 211. The external imaging device can include the fluoroscope 28 or other appropriate external imaging system. The minimal or single image acquired by the imaging device can substantially reduce exposure to x-rays or the requirement of equipment usage.

The procedure 180 can then end or terminate in block 212. The ending of the procedure can include appropriate steps, such as programming an IMD positioned within the heart, as illustrated in FIG. 13 connecting implanted leads to the IMD, closing the incision, implanting the implantable medical device, or other appropriate steps. Programming the IMD can include wireless programmer, such as using the Medtronic 2090 or Carelink™ programmer, provided by Medtronic, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn., USA.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the patches 46 a-50 b that are prepared in block 184 and placed in a patient in block 188 can be any appropriate patches, such as the patches and controller of the Local Lisa™ previously sold by Medtronic Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn., USA. As an example, the LocaLisa® device can be used to generate the current in the patient 26. The PSU 40 can also be that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Numbers 5,697,377 or 5,983,126 to Wittkampf, incorporated herein by reference. The patches can be positioned on the patient 26, such as orthogonally or generally nearly orthogonally to one another, to create three orthogonal or generally nearly orthogonal axes within the patient 26, and particularly intersecting within the heart 80 or other organ of interest of the patient 26. The patches 46-50 can be oriented based upon the organ or region of interest in the patient so that the original is at the region of interest. In addition, various instruments can be used, such as of different size or configuration, based upon the organ being explored or mapped.

The applied patches 46, 48, and 50, can each be used to conduct a substantially unique current waveform through the patient 26. For example, each pair of the patches can be used to conduct current at a different frequency. Alternatively, the currents could be time division multiplexed. Thus, the PSU 40 can be used to generate the unique currents in the patient 26. The currents generated in the patient 26 produce voltages that can be sensed with the electrodes, 108, 110 of the mapping catheter 100 or the lead 120, to be used to determine the electrode's relative position in the patient 26.

The reference electrodes 52 positioned on the patient 26 can be used to as a reference electrode for the electrodes being used to sense a voltage in the patient 26. The reference electrode 52 a that is positioned over the xiphoid process can remain substantially fixed relative to the patient 26 Reference electrodes positioned on the patient 26 provide a reference for determination of voltages by the electrodes 108, 110 of the mapping catheter 100 within the patient 26.

As discussed above, at least one of the reference electrodes, such as the first reference electrode 52 a, can be positioned substantially on or over the xiphoid process of the patient 26. Positioning the reference patch 52 a substantially near the xiphoid process of the patient 26 can allow for a substantially fixed location of the reference patch 52 a relative to the patient 26 regardless of respiration movement, cardiac movement, or the like of the patient 26. Also, as discussed above, positioning the second reference electrode 52 b substantially directly across from the first reference electrode 52 a (such as on a horizontal plane, as discussed above) can provide a second reference that can be used to reference the mapping data 194 generated or produced relative to the patient 26. Also, by positioning the second reference patch 52 b at this location relative to the first reference patch 52 a, respiration can be monitored by measuring the relative voltage or impedance difference between the two reference patches 52 a, 52 b using the PSU 40.

The various patches can be affixed to the patient 26 in any appropriate manner, such as via generally known semi-permanent or permanent adhesives. The patches 46-50 are also generally electrically coupled to the skin of the patient 26 to allow current to be conducted within the patient 26. For example, the patches 46-50 can be directly attached to a skin surface of the patient 26. The patches 46-50, however, can be removed once mapping or other procedures are completed.

Enabling plotting in block 192 allows for generation of the multiple data points for generation of the mapping data 194 of the patient 26 and mapping of selected regions of the patient 26, such as the heart 80. The mapping of the heart 80 of the patient 26 can be achieved by moving the mapping catheter 100 through selected portions of the heart 80 of the patient 26. It will be understood, as discussed above, that any appropriate region of the patient 26 can be mapped. Moving the mapping catheter 100 through the heart 80 of the patient 26 allows for generation of the mapping data 194 based upon a plurality of sensed voltages and calculated impedances at multiple locations within the heart 80 by the electrodes 108, 110 of the mapping catheter 100. As the mapping catheter 100 moves through the heart 80 of the patient 26, as exemplary illustrated in FIG. 5, data points can be acquired at a set interval of time or when selected by the user 22. The user 22 can use the foot pedal 64 to determine when a data point is to be acquired or for selecting where a landmark should be illustrated and identified. Nevertheless, the movement of the mapping catheter 100 through the heart 80 allows for collection of data points based upon sensing a voltage and/or calculating a impedance at multiple locations in the heart 80.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, as the mapping catheter 100 moves through the heart 80, it can be positioned at different locations within the heart 80. For example, as it enters the right atrium chamber of the heart it can be positioned in a first selected location, as illustrated by the phantom mapping catheter 100′. A data point can be determined for the mapping catheter when it is at position 100′. The mapping catheter can further be moved through the heart 80 such as to a second or third location, as illustrated at 100 or 100″, and data points can be further acquired at these additional locations. Although three points are specifically mentioned here, it will be understood, that any appropriate number of data points may be collected to form the mapping data 194, as illustrated in FIG. 6. These data points can be illustrated on the display device 58 as the data points 198. As also illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of data points 198 can be generated or acquired as the mapping catheter 100 is moved relative to the patient 26. It will also be understood that any appropriate number of data points 198 can be displayed on the display device 58.

The data points 198 can be represented individually or as a group. For example, a selected sphere, circle, or other appropriate geometric shape can be used to represent one or more acquired data points 198 of a position of the mapping catheter 100, or its respective electrodes 108, 110, within the patient 26. A single sphere data icon illustrated on the display device 58 can be displayed when two, three, or more data points have been collected for a respective voxel of the mapping data 194. Therefore, a single data point representation 198 on the display device 58 can be representative of one or more position data points acquired with the mapping catheter 100. Accordingly, the image display 58 can be densely or sparsely populated with representations of the position data points of the mapping catheter 100. The representation can be based upon a selection of the user 22 or other appropriate selections.

In addition, the mapping catheter 100 can move through the heart 80 according to various forces. For example, the sheath 104 of the mapping catheter 100 can be a substantially deflectable or guidable sheath. Additionally, the mapping catheter 100 can be guidable according to generally known techniques or processes. Therefore, the mapping catheter 100 can be moved through the patient 26 by direction of the user 22. In addition, forces within the patient 26, such as the flow of blood, can be used to move the mapping catheter 100 through the heart 80.

The balloon portion 102 can generate drag within the patient 26 due to blood flow or other fluid flows within the patient 26. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the mapping catheter 100 can enter the heart 80 at a selected location and be moved through the heart 80 via drag formed on the balloon portion 102 to assist in moving the balloon portion 102, and the associated electrodes 108, 110, through the heart 80 such as to or through the pulmonary artery. Therefore, the mapping catheter 100 can move relative to the patient 26 in any appropriate manner, including a drag generated on the balloon portion 102.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2, 5, and 7 and further reference to FIG. 8, the catheter 100 can be moved through the heart 80. As the catheter 100 is moved through the heart 80, the position sensing unit system 40 can determine or calculate positions of the electrodes 108, 110 of the mapping catheter 100. Each of these determined locations can be displayed on the display device 58, as illustrated in FIG. 8, as various data points including 198 a and 198 b. Each of the data points collected regarding a position of the mapping catheter 100 can also include a time stamp or cycle stamp. Therefore, for example, a first data point 198 a and a second data point 198 b can include different time stamps. The time stamps can indicate which was acquired first as the mapping catheter 100 moved relative to the heart 80. As discussed above, drag on the balloon portion 102 can cause movement of the catheter 100 through the heart 80.

Accordingly, a movement direction can be determined and illustrated based upon the calculated or determined locations over time of the mapping catheter 100. An arrow 199 can also be illustrated on the display device 58 to represent the movement direction. The arrow 199 can provide an indication to a user 22 of the movement direction in the heart 80 and can assist in determining landmarks.

In addition, as the mapping catheter 100 is moved through the heart 80, as illustrated in FIG. 8, pulsative pressure exerted on the balloon portion 102 can be measured with the pressure meter 152 to determine a pressure pulse exerted on the balloon portion 102. The pressure pulse can be illustrated as a wave form that can be used to assist in identifying various locations in the heart 80, or other locations in the patient 26. The measured waveform may be low fidelity due to compressible gases in the lumen 106 of the catheter 100, but may be of enough fidelity to identify anatomical landmarks or portions. As the data points are collected regarding the location of the mapping catheter 100, in particular the electrodes 108, 110, a pressure pulse related to these positions can also be determined. The workstation 38 can save or associate each of the pressure pulses with the data points regarding the location of the mapping catheter 100 when the pressure pulse was measured. Accordingly, each of the data points 198 of the mapping data 194 can include information collected with the mapping catheter 100. In addition, the mapping catheter 100 can be used for electrogram recording and display. For example, equal atrial and ventricular contributions to the endocardial electrogram could help confirm a location proximal to the valve. Therefore, each of the data points 198 of the mapping data 194 can have information associated therewith other than a position of the catheter 100.

The additional information can be used in conjunction the position information to assist in identifying various regions of the heart 80, such as landmarks. For example, different portions of the heart, such as valves, chambers and the like can be identified using the electrograms, pressure information, and the like. This information, which is associated with the data points 198, can be used to identify landmarks in the mapping data 194 of the heart 80. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the landmarks can be illustrated on the display device 58 to assist a physician in identifying or recalling selected regions of the heart 80 determined with the mapping catheter 100. The landmarks 204, 206 can be identified using the physician's knowledge, information collected from the mapping catheter 100, and information collected from other instruments such as an electrocardiogram (ECG).

The landmarks can be labeled on the display device 58 in an appropriate manner. Landmarks displayed and labeled on the display device 58 can include a lead line 220 that interconnects the landmark 204 with a text box 222. The length of the lead line 220 and the position of the text box 222 can be calculated to ensure that the position of the text box 222 does not obscure or obscures as few as possible the data points 198 displayed on the display device 58. In addition, the labeling of the landmarks 204, 206 or the identification landmarks that should be labeled or identified can also be done with the foot pedal 64 and/or the joystick 62. For example, depressing the foot pedal 64 can be used to show a menu of possible landmarks and the joystick can be used to highlight the landmarks and the foot pedal 64 can select a landmark label. The workstation 38 can then illustrate the landmark on the display device 58 and further provide the text box label 222 and the lead line 220 in an appropriate manner.

Returning reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, identification of landmarks in block 202 can be illustrated on the display device 58 as briefly discussed above. Selected landmarks, such as valves, veins or vessels, can be illustrated using the toroid 204. The toroid landmark 204 includes a radius centered on an axis 204′. The axis 204′ and a radius of the toroid 204 can be based upon the data points 198 acquired near the toroid 204 or the location of the landmark which the toroid 204 identifies. For example, a selected portion of the data points 198 near the toroid 204, such as one or two or any appropriate millimeters on either side of the toroid 204 can be used to determine the direction of the central axis 204′ for display on the display device 58. In addition, the data points 198 within the toroid 204 can be used to determine the radius of the toroid 204 for display on the display device 58. Therefore, the landmark toroid 204 can, in addition to identifying a selected landmark, also provide additional information to the user 22 regarding the size of the particular area, such as an area of a valve or vessel, and a relative orientation of the valve or vessel to the other acquired data.

The data points 198 of the mapping data 194 can also include the time stamps, such as discussed above. The time stamps can further be used to identify those data points acquired in a recent period, such as the data points 198′, which can be illustrated as darker or a different color than older acquired data points 198″. The illustration of a decay or timing of the illustration of the data points can be used by the user 22 to identify a most current location of the mapping catheter 100, the lead 120, or any other appropriate reason.

As discussed in the process 180 in FIG. 7, rendering of a surface can occur in block 200. Rendering the surface can proceed based upon techniques, as exemplary described herein, to render a surface relative to or with the data points 198 of the acquired data 194. Rendering the surface can occur using at least two surface rendering techniques.

A first surface rendering technique for block 200 can include a “swept surfaces”. The swept surfaces rendering technique can include a swept surface process 240 illustrated in FIG. 9 that can render the swept surfaces image data 241 illustrated in FIG. 10. The swept surfaces process 240 can begin in a start block 242. As discussed in relation to FIG. 7, the mapping catheter 100 can be prepared and introduced in the patient 26 as apart of the start block 242.

The swept surfaces process 240 can include selecting a sphere size in block 244. The sphere size selected in block 244 can be any appropriate size, such as a relative diameter of the electrode, such as the electrode 108 or 110. According to the swept surfaces process 240, the size of the electrode can be determined or estimated to be a sphere. Therefore, the sphere size in block 244 can substantially be the physical size of the electrodes 108, 110 of the mapping catheter 100. For example, the sphere or radius size can be about 1 mm to about 50 mm, including about 1 mm to about 15 mm, or about 1 or 5 mm to about 15 mm.

Once a sphere size is determined in block 244, the mapping catheter 100 can be moved in the patient in block 246. As the mapping catheter is moved in the patient in block 246, the data points 198 regarding the position of the catheter 100 can be acquired in block 248 and illustrated as the data points 198, illustrated in FIG. 10. As each position data point 198 is acquired, a sphere based on the sphere size input in block 244 can be determined. The plurality of spheres can be used to form the swept surface rendering 241 in block 250. The display of the surfaces of a plurality of spheres generates or renders three dimensional data regarding each of the position data points acquired regarding the position of the mapping catheter in block 248. The rendering, however, can be limited by the size of the sphere selected in block 244, but can be performed in substantially real time.

Because three dimensional data is displayed on the display device 58, an appropriate three dimensional surface can be displayed using the three dimensional data displayed in block 250. Moreover, the surface can be illustrated in real time allowing a real time acquisition and growth of the 3D surface. Accordingly, a three dimensional swept surface 241 representing a passage of the mapping catheter 100 can be displayed on a display device 58 rather than simple individual points 198.

The swept surfaces process 240 can then end in block 252. The rendered surface in block 200 using the swept surfaces process 240 in FIG. 9 can create a substantially real time surface model using the mapping catheter 100. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the display device 58 can display both of the individual points 198 of the mapping data and the swept surfaces rendering 241 of the mapping data for viewing by the user 22.

Again, returning reference to FIG. 7, and additional reference to FIG. 11, rendering the surfaces in block 200 of the procedure 180 can also or alternatively occur with a second process including isometric or other appropriate surface extraction procedure 280. Using the data points 198 acquired and displayed on the display device 58 a surface rendering 281, illustrated in FIG. 12, can be produced with the surface extraction procedure 280.

The surface extraction procedure 280 can begin in start block 282, which can include preparing and positioning the mapping catheter 100 within the patient 26. The data points for rendering according to the surface extraction procedure 280 can be acquired as discussed above, plotted relative to the patient 26, and saved in a memory that can be accessed by the workstation 38 or any appropriate processor. Accordingly, the plotted points can be inputted into the surface extraction procedure 280 at block 284. Once selected plotted points have been inputted, the surface extraction process 280 can proceed to point discretization in block 286. Point discretization can include appropriate hierarchies or organizational methods, including known cube grid or octree arrangements.

If a cube grid organization method is chosen, each of the points from the plotted points in block 284 can be assigned to a cube of a selected size in a grid pattern. Each of the cubes could be assigned the data points that fall within the perimeter of the cube of the grid when the position data points 198 are overlaid or aligned with the cube grid. The cube grid could then be queried to identify those points that exist within a selected cube. In this way, the position point data 198 can be identified and further processed or rendered, as discussed further herein.

According to various embodiments, an octree procedure can also be used. The octree structure is a data organization structure that includes a hierarchal or trunk structure with nodes or leaf nodes where data points exist. Accordingly, a leaf node does not exist on the hierarchical structure unless a data point exists at the particular location. Accordingly, position data points 198 would exist on the trunk structure where they were determined. Thus, there is no memory wasted for empty cubes, as may exist if no data happen to be acquired for a particular cube or grid location.

According to various embodiments, point discretization in block 286 allows for an indexing or layout of the data for access and further processing steps in the surface extraction process 280. Accordingly, the point discretization can include appropriate discretization or indexing processes including those discussed above. Point discretization is used to determine an appropriate location of the data acquired and for querying in further processing, discussed below.

After point discretization in block 286, a Gaussian Voxelization can occur in block 288. The Gaussian Voxelization in block 288 is used to voxelize the data into 3D data along a selected grid, such as in x, y and z directions. The voxelization of the data can include the formation of a three dimensional voxel data set along the grid pattern.

The voxelization can proceed by visiting each cube or voxel in the grid and identifying the distance of a data point that is a selected distance from a center of the voxel by querying the point discretization data. This can include finding all data points that are within a selected radius from a center of each of the voxels. If a data point is found for a particular voxel, a scalar value is computed based upon the point's distance from the center of the voxel. A Gaussian function can be used to determine the discretization value given to the point where the value decreases in the known Gaussian manner as the point deviates or is further from the center of the voxel. Accordingly, a data point closer to the center of the voxel is given a higher value than a point that is further from the center of the voxel. Each voxel is then given or assigned the highest scalar value for the points within that voxel. A voxel with no data points can be assigned a zero, while a voxel with more than one data point is assigned the highest value based upon each of the points within that particular voxel.

Once the data has been voxelized in block 288, an Isometric (Iso) surface extraction can occur in block 290. The Gaussian Voxelization in block 288 creates a substantially three dimensional volume set from which a surface can be extracted in block 290. Appropriate surface extraction algorithms can be used to extract the surface based upon the Gaussian Voxelization in block 288. For example, a marching cubes algorithm can be used to extract a surface based upon the Gaussian Voxelization data in block 288. The marching cubes algorithm can be implemented from various sources such as the visualization tool kit at http://public.kitware.com/vtk, incorporated herein by reference. Various other techniques are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,876 to Cline and Lorensen, incorporated herein by reference. Other appropriate extraction techniques can also include marching tetrahedrons. Regardless, the surface extraction algorithm can use the voxelized data in block 288 to determine a surface.

Once the surface extraction is completed in block 290, the extracted data can be saved as a geometric mesh in block 292. The geometric data can include triangle data relating to the marching squares extraction that occurs in block 290. The saved geometric mesh data in block 292 can then be rendered on the display device 58 in block 294. An appropriate rendering system can be used, such as the OpenGL® rendering subroutine or system. The rendering of the data to the display device 58 in block 294 can display the extracted three dimensional surface 281 of the data acquired with the mapping catheter 100.

The extracted three dimensional surface 281 that can be viewed by the user 22 to assist in identifying locations within the anatomy, such as within the heart 80, or for understanding the anatomy of the heart 80 or positions of the mapping catheter 100 or lead 120 within the heart 80. It will be understood, that landmark icons 204 can also be displayed relative to the extracted three dimensional surface 281, As illustrated in FIG. 12. In other words, landmarks that are identified in the position data points 198 can be super-imposed on the extracted three dimensional surface 281 as well. It will be further understood, that landmarks can be illustrated on any appropriate data, such as the swept surfaces data 241 as well. The surface extraction process 280 can then end in block 296. Accordingly, the surface extraction process 280 can be used to render or display a surface of the data points 198 acquired with the mapping catheter 100.

The data points 198 acquired with the mapping catheter 100 can also be displayed unrendered or unfiltered on the display device 58. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the mapping data can be displayed on the display device 58 as the multiple points determined with the mapping catheter as a part of the position sensing unit system 40. Thus, a plurality of data points can be displayed on the display device for viewing by the user 22.

In addition, the mapping data 194 displayed on the display device 58 can be displayed with or without any selected filtering. For example, the data points being displayed on the display device 58 can be displayed in substantially real time as they are acquired and calculated. That is, as the voltage is sensed and the impedance calculated, the determined location of the mapping catheter 100 or the lead 120 can be displayed on the display device 58.

The position sensing unit 40 can also filter the data displayed on the screen 58. The data displayed on the screen 58 can be a smoothed or average location. For example, a point displayed on the screen can include an average location of the data points acquired and determined for the mapping catheter 100 or the lead 120 for a set period of time. For example, an average location of the mapping catheter 100 or the lead 120 for five seconds can be displayed on the display device 58. It will be understood, however, that a selected amount of filtering may or may not be used to display the data points on the display device 58. It may be selected, such as when positioning the lead electrode 126 into the heart 80, a substantially unfiltered view be given to the user 22 to allow for a substantially precise illustration of a position of the lead electrode 126 relative to the data points or surface displayed on the display device 58. This can assist in a substantially precise location and implantation of the lead electrode 126 during a selected procedure.

As discussed above, the PSU 40 can be used to implant any appropriate system, for example an implantable medical device (IMD) 300 can be implanted. The IMD 300 and its associated lead or leads 120 can be implanted without the external imaging device 28. Although, it will be understood, that the imaging device 28, or appropriate imaging device, can be used during an implantation procedure, such as to confirm placement of the lead 120 once positioned with the PSU 40. It will also be understood, that the PSU 40 can be used to supplement placement of an implantable member, such as the lead 120, with the imaging device 28, to reduce the number of images acquired, or eliminate direct imaging of the patient 26 and instruments entirely.

The IMD 300, illustrated in FIG. 13, can include implantable pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devices, cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator devices, or combinations thereof, is exemplarily illustrated. An exemplary dual chamber IMD can include the

Concerto Model C154DWK, sold by Medtronic, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn., USA, but appropriate single chamber IMDs can also be implanted. The IMD 300 can include an implantable case or body assembly 302. The implantable case 302 can be formed of appropriate materials and include appropriate features, such as a hermetically sealed body wall. The body wall can be made of a substantially inert material or of a conducting material.

The lead assembly 120 can be interconnected with the implantable case 302 at a selected time. As discussed above, the lead can be guided to an implant location, such as in a right ventricle, with the PSU 40. The lead 120 can then have its electrode 126 fixed to the heart 80. It will be understood, however, that any appropriate number of leads can be interconnected with the implantable case 302 and can include any appropriate number of electrodes.

With continued reference to FIG. 13, a programmer or programming system 310 can be provided. The programmer 310 can include a telemetry system that is operable to wirelessly transmit a signal to the processor within the case body 302. It will be understood that a wired communication system can also be used. In addition, an induction system can be used where a coil is positioned near the case body 302 and a signal is sent from the programmer via induction. The programmer 310 can also receive information from the IMD 300 (e.g. tachycardia rhythms and times and programming settings) to assist in providing an appropriate program for pacing. The programmer 310 can include any appropriate programming system, including one generally known to those skilled in the art, such as the Medtronic 2090 or Carelink™ programmer, sold by Medtronic, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn., USA.

Further areas of applicability of the present teachings will become apparent from the detailed description provided above. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating various embodiments, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of illustrating mapping data from a patient, comprising: generating a voltage between a first drive patch and a second drive patch in contact with a patient; positioning an implantable electrode in the patient; sensing, with the electrode, a first voltage at a first position and a second voltage at a second position in the patient; and displaying on a display device a first representation of the first position and a second representation of the second position in substantially real time as the first voltage and the second voltage are sensed to illustrate a substantially real time motion of the electrode.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying map data of the patient; wherein the first representation and the second representation are illustrated relative to the map data.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying a third representation on the display device that is an average of at least the first position and the second position.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying on the display device a third representation that is a representation of an average position of at least a third position and a fourth position; wherein the third position and the fourth position are acquired at two different points in time and the third representation is displayed after the acquisition of the fourth position.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the period of time between the acquisition of the third position and the acquisition of the fourth position is enough to substantially eliminate jitter on the display device of the representation of the third position and subsequent positions.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: acquiring a first selected plurality of positions; determining an average of the first acquired plurality of positions; displaying on the display device a third representation of the first determined average of the first selected plurality of positions; acquiring a second plurality of positions; determining an average position of the second acquired plurality of positions; and displaying on the display device a fourth representation of the second average position; wherein the third representation of the first average position and the fourth representation of the second average position are illustrated on the display device to show a less than real time position of the electrode on the display device. 